Inverted V and confidence

Invertedraylene started this discussion · 1/30/2013

I have fully recovered from a lat (muscle over use) injury and just recently started back on pole. I still have a fair amount of my strength, however, I am having a mental block with inverted v. I believe that my injury was caused by too much v-inverts and now i'm too scared to let myself "tip back" into the invert. I can do all other intermediate inverts but this one. I can pull my legs up into the front tuck but I won't allow myself to straighten my arms and lean back into the move. Does anyone have any tips ? or similar stories to share?

7 replies

kasanya · 1/31/2013
Have you tried doing it in reverse? ie. Go up into a basic invert, then release your legs into the V- invert position while focusing on keeping your back / shoulder blades properly engaged. To exit, you could either return to the basic invert or hold the V-invert position while you slide down to the floor (harder). It's probably not a good idea to release down to standing until you're confident enough to go straight up into V invert since that particular exit takes a lot of strength and control. If you're nervous about doing even that, you could try doing a basic invert and then slide nearly all the way down to the floor before going into the V-invert position. Knowing you're only inches from the floor should help circumvent the fear. Good luck!
Cherished · 1/31/2013
I never had problems with, or tried a reverse V but read a long time ago in this thread that it could cause injury and suggests an alternative tip: http://mysv.me/forums/view/Straight_Leg_Invert_From_floor_and_climb_20111210032854
kasanya · 1/31/2013
That's why I suggested alternative ways to exit from the V-invert position. It takes a LOT of strength and control to safely go from that inverted position back to standing.
Invertedraylene · 1/31/2013
I'm fine with inverted v from basic invert. it's just the tipping back. Maybe I need a spoter until I get comfortable ?
Krista Bocko · 1/31/2013
Are you scared of actually doing the move, or scared that you will re-injure yourself? If you're scared of tipping back, yes, get a spotter. If you're scared of re-injuring yourself and have JUST gotten back on the pole, work on lots of strengthening exercises first and take it slow. It would be awful to re-injure yourself doing this! (and not worth it) This move is such a tough one. GL!
Haley Bug · 1/31/2013
My only tips for anyone attempting inverted v is major grip and a mirror. The problem I first had (and I've found a lot of other polers have) is not trusting their grip. If you've got the grip to hold yourself up long enough to tip, you're in the clear. If not, wash with dish soap, dry hands, anything to get your hands to stick. The mirror is the kicker here. If you find yourself not letting your head tip backwards to allow your body to follow, try this. Stand in invert position with your back to a full length mirror. Tell yourself as you tuck to look back at yourself in the mirror. Tuck your knees, tilt your head back and look in that mirror, and your body will follor. Use control and always have a spotter! Hope this helps <33
Invertedraylene · 2/3/2013
Thanks Haley bug, I'll try this tomorrow in class! hopefully this tip will help ;)